Residential Building Permits

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Residential Building Permit Information

Fees for residential building permits may be found here.

In residential construction, a Building Permit is required for all new buildings, building additions, structural alterations to existing buildings, or alterations that change the floor plan of an existing building. A building permit is also required for accessory structures including swimming pools, hot tubs, porches, detached garages and sheds, decks, and fences. A Building Permit is not required for a shed that is 80 square feet or less in size, but the applicable setback requirements still apply.

NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION: The application for new residential construction can be found here. Please see the New Residential Permit Submittal Brochure for further information.

PLUMBING: A Plumbing Permit is required for any new plumbing work, except for minor repairs. A Plumbing Permit is not required for the replacement of existing plumbing fixtures in the same location. If the work involves connecting to a water and sewer main, a Plumbing Street Cut Permit is required.

ELECTRICAL: An Electrical Permit is required for the upgrading of an electrical service, or the addition/alteration to existing wiring. An Electrical Permit is not required to replace existing electrical switches or outlets.

HVAC: An HVAC permit is required for the installation of any new heat-producing appliance or air conditioning appliance.

BROCHURES: For more information on various residential construction projects, please see the brochures below. If you cannot find the information you require, please reach out to our office at 608-755-3060.

WHO MAY OBTAIN RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS?
- Homeowners may obtain their own Building Permits if they own and occupy the structure for which they are pulling the permit, or they own and INTEND to occupy the structure.
- Homeowners may obtain their own plumbing permit if they own and occupy the structure for which they are pulling the permit.
- Homeowners may obtain their own electrical permit if they own and occupy the structure for which they are pulling the permit, but only for existing branch circuit wiring. Upgrades or alterations to an existing electrical service requires a Wisconsin Licensed Master Electrician to obtain the permit.
- Contractors who wish to obtain permits in the City of Janesville must hold the required State issued credentials as set out in the applicable State Statutes.

CHICKEN COOPS
- Chicken Coops require a permit. This permit must be renewed each year. In January of each year, the Building Division will send a letter to permit holders regarding renewal information.

HISTORIC OVERLAY DISTRICT
- Any construction, alteration, or demolition affecting the exterior of a structure or site located in the Historic Overlay District requires review and approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) by the City’s Historic Preservation Commission prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. The application for a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission can be found here.
- Some projects that would not otherwise require a Building Permit are required to obtain a permit when located within the Historic Overlay District. If the scope of work does not otherwise require a Building Permit, but the structure is in the Historic Overlay District, a no-cost Building Permit will be issued to the property for record keeping purposes.